In 2019, 129 new donors presented themselves in Avranches, in La Manche, against 114 in 2020, or fifteen people less. “The objective would be twelve to fifteen first-time donors per month in order to compensate for the deficit of the former who quit at the age of 70”, specifies René Chauvel, cantonal delegate of the association of blood donors. In fact, from the age of 60, the authorization of a doctor from the blood transfusion establishment is required and after the age of 70, no donation is authorized, except for exceptions for rare blood groups.
Who are the first-time donors?
Since the health crisis, the French Blood Establishment (EFS) can no longer take samples from the two high schools in Avranches or from the private hospital in the Bay. In both high schools, young adults usually made their first donation, which could then be followed by other donations for many years. “ Young people can make this first civic gesture by going to the Victor-Hugo room ”, explains René Chauvel.
150 people can be received
Since the health crisis, donors have been invited to make an appointment to donate blood, in order to avoid queues. “During the daily collection report, we noted a number of canceled appointments without knowing the reason. It’s a shame, because the EFS can receive 150 people in the afternoon ”, deplores René Chauvel.
Another feared effect: volunteers could not get an appointment, if the slots were all occupied, when in fact, there would still be availability. “It would also be desirable to favor the last time slot, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., for people who can only come after work. “ Last Saturday, 110 appointments were made on the 144 available slots.
Wednesday February 24, 2021, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Victor-Hugo room in Avranches. Contact: tel. 02 33 06 33 00; mon-rdv-dondesang.efs.sante.fr
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